Ukraine foils a major missile attack.
Ukrainian officials said their country’s air defense system Six hypersonic Kanzal missiles were intercepted. Which was aimed at Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. If confirmed, it would be further evidence of Ukraine’s ability to shoot down one of Russia’s most advanced weapons.
The attack was one of Russia’s biggest airstrikes since March: Ukraine said Russia launched an “extraordinary” barrage of missiles and drones over Kiev, but that it had shot down all the missiles. Russia said a missile hit the US-made Patriot system.
The problems that have plagued Russia’s 15-month war since its start are worsening: stretched resources, disorganized defenses and disunity in the ranks. It would seem. Bad week for President Vladimir Putin.
Already, the Russian military has been forced into multiple retreats, and has been stalled along most of the 600-mile front line since last year. Russian forces have recently been pushed back from positions on the banks of the Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, where, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, two colonels were lost in the fighting. And Ukraine’s long-awaited retaliation hasn’t even begun.
Still, Putin’s determination shows he is preparing for a war that could drag on for years.
Analysis: In Russia’s authoritarian system, the policies of the leadership do not necessarily align with the population. “They have plenty of room to continue their criminal war,” said one expert.
Other updates:
Another blow to the Cambodian opposition
Cambodia has Disqualified the main opposition party.The only credible challenger to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling party. After 38 years in power, Hun Sen is laying the groundwork for his eldest son to succeed him after a general election in July.
Hun Sen has seized power through courts, electoral manipulation, intimidation and coups. This latest move comes after the government moved to protect itself earlier this year. In February, this Shut down the voice of democracy, one of the few remaining outlets to provide substantive coverage in Cambodia. The most senior opposition politician in the country in March was Kem Sokha. Sentenced to 27 years of house arrest.
Selection Approach: Hun Sen’s party currently holds all 125 seats in parliament after the government-controlled courts dissolved his main challenger ahead of the 2018 election. This time, the National Election Commission approved only parties that were either aligned with Hun Sen or too obscure to pose a serious threat to the July 23 election.
China dominates EV car batteries
China despite billions of western investment Far ahead in making batteries for electric cars That may take decades for the rest of the world to catch up.
How China controls every stage of lithium-ion battery production, from sourcing raw materials to building cars.
mining: China has bought its way into a cheap and steady supply of the rare minerals needed to make batteries. It controls 41 percent of the world’s cobalt, mostly owning mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Investments in Indonesia will help China become the largest controller of nickel by 2027, according to a consulting firm.
Refinement: Regardless of who mines the minerals, almost everything is shipped to China for refining. Chinese companies have access to cheap land and energy from the government, and can refine minerals on a large scale and at low cost.
Ingredients: China makes most of the parts that go into a battery. It recently invested in a cheaper alternative to the cathode, the positive terminal of the battery. These cathodes now account for half the market.
Assembly: China makes the most batteries and the most cars. Labor costs are lower, and there are more equipment manufacturers, so the country could build battery factories at about half the cost of North America or Europe, one expert said.
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Many Japanese people who are removing the niqab after three years find that their facial expressions are a bit rusty. So some have. Recruit a smile coach. The one-hour session draws on yoga and emphasizes strengthening the zygomatic muscles, which pull up the corners of the mouth.
Arts and Ideas
South Korea’s ‘No Kids Zones’
South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world. But parents say the government isn’t making it easy to have babies: hundreds of restaurants, museums and other public facilities are designated.No Kids Zones“
Child-free zones have public support. A 2022 survey showed 73 percent of respondents were in favor. “I usually go to a cafe to study. I don’t want to be interrupted by crying children,” said one student.
But one lawmaker is calling on the government to outlaw the policy. “Life with a child is not easy,” she said, holding her toddler in the National Assembly, which is also a no-kids zone. “But still, we have to rebuild a society that we can live in with our children.”
